Photo showing the exterior of the Fitch Patent Beveled Invisible Centre CaseNotice the seam along the perimeter of the caseImage Courtesy of Invaluable Ezra Charles Fitch was one of the most prolific innovators in American horology. By the end of his career, Fitch had amassed over 30 patents to his name in the United States, ranging from various case designs to dials. Ezra C. FitchSource: History of the American Waltham Watch Company of Waltham, Mass. Fitch 1879 Patent One of his most successful case designs was patented in 1879 and became the basis of the "dust proof" swing-ring openface case that was eventually produced by nearly every case factory in the country... Continue Reading

by Nathan Moore, 4 days ago

c.1890 Trenton Watch Company Trade Card, Front This trade card, distributed by the Trenton Watch Company around 1890, promoted the company and its new factory in Trenton, New Jersey. At the time, the factory had only been producing watches for approximately three years. The front includes artistic text with the company name adjacent to the trademark, which includes the city seal of Trenton, New Jersey. The sales office is referenced as 177 Broadway in New York... Continue Reading

by Nathan Moore, 2 months ago

The Illinois Watch Company Observatory As watchmaking advanced in the 20th century, new methods were required to ensure precision and remain competitive in the market. In 1910, the Elgin National Watch Company constructed a dedicated observatory to time and adjust watches using celestial positioning. In response, the Illinois Watch Company opened its own observatory in 1913 following the same principle. The observatory project at the Illinois Watch Company was led by factory superintendent George F... Continue Reading

by Nathan Moore, 2 months ago